Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a Dachshund with congenital type 9 vascular ring anomaly: a case report

Abstract

A 9-year-old spayed female Dachshund presented with chronic regurgitation, hypersalivation, and weight loss. Computed tomography revealed a distal esophageal mass and a type 9 vascular ring anomaly (VRA). Esophagoscopy and histological examination confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Given the tumor’s highly malignant nature, the prognosis for surgery was poor, leading to the prioritization of chemotherapy. Despite the chemotherapy, the clinical response was inadequate, and the dog was euthanized 35 days post-diagnosis. This case highlights the rare coexistence of ESCC and VRA in veterinary medicine, suggesting a potential link between chronic esophageal compression and the development of ESCC. © 2025 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.